About the Orchestra

The Northwood String Orchestra is an amateur string orchestra based in Southampton.

The Orchestra was founded in 1926 and except for the war years has been in existence ever since. Its fortune has varied but at present it is very healthy with a membership of about forty. We play a large selection of music from the string orchestra repertoire limited only by our abilities as amateurs.

Rita Leighton Our Conductor Rita Leighton joined the orchestra in 1961 after leaving school. She went on to become leader and then took over as conductor in 1986. She taught music at St Anne's Convent Grammar School until recently and still teaches piano.

Sian Buckley Our leader Sian Buckley joined the orchestra in 1995. She studied music at Manchester University and then went on the Royal College. She now works as a teacher for Hampshire Music Services.